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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Married Veteran Medics Battle PTSD in West Virginia

"As a medic, you see a lot of trauma sometimes. I could see anything from people missing limbs to people deceased, in the most violent ways you can imagine," Ryan Curry.

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Servicemen and women fighting for our freedom see things that we as civilians couldn't possibly imagine. When they return home, the experiences overseas can haunt them.

U.S. combat soldiers show a drastic increase in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases compared to civilians. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, up to 20% of our veterans who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom are now fighting PTSD. They join 12% of Gulf War veterans and 30% of Vietnam veterans.

This is the story of two retired Army medics.

From the outside, they live in a peaceful home that sits in a quiet neighborhood. The front yard is littered with toys and play sets. No one would suspect that on the inside a war is being waged.

Ryan and Kathlyn Curry are no strangers to war. They are both retired Army veterans, now adjusting to civilian life. They are both still fighting a battle.

"I was having nightmares and flashbacks, you relive it. And it doesn't seem to go away. It effects kind of every aspect of your life. You can't sleep or you get depressed or anxiety, it definitely makes things difficult," Kathlyn said.

Ryan and Kathlyn have both been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
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Crisis Phone Numbers

Vietnam Veterans of AmericaCrisis Phone Numberspecial noticeIf you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT NOW, call this toll-free number 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran. All calls are confidential.http://www.vva.org/

Veterans’ Crisis Intervention Hotline

1-888-899-9377

A Crisis Intervention Hotline has been established by the VA Heartland Network to assist veterans who may be dealing with a mental health crisis or difficult issue in their lives. The hotline will also aid family members or friends of veterans who need help in assisting a veteran in crisis.